PLANS EXAMINER II 10400
(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for the application of moderately difficult technical codes, rules and regulations to architectural drawings, blueprints and plans for the purpose of insuring compliance with those codes, rules and plans for the City of Syracuse. The employee in this class exercises independent action in the application of work under review. This position differs from that of a Plans Examiner I in that the review is undertaken on multi residential and commercial structure applications that involve a variety of life/safety codes rules and regulations. Assignments are received in the form of permit requests that involve specifications, plans and blueprints. The employee then applies all relevant codes, ordinances, rules and regulations to the permit requests under review that would impact upon the structure being built and/or modified insuring compliance, and issues necessary permit. Supervision is not ordinarily exercised in this class, but guidance is periodically extended to the Plans Examiner I. Work is reviewed through submission of reports or conference with the Assistant Director-Plans Review. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Reviews complex plans, drawings and specifications for compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinance rules and regulations including New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, New York State Multiple Residency Law, City of Syracuse Building Codes and Onondaga County Zoning Rules and Regulations.
Advises concerned parties on necessary changes for compliance and the issuance of permits.
Meets and discusses complex plans requiring permit issuance, with the Fire Department, other affected city departments and Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency.
Assists field staff in the resolution of technical problems involving either permit or related violation.
Attends State Variance Hearings when required.
Assists in the issuance of routine permits.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Through knowledge of local laws, rules, regulations and codes applicable to residential and commercial structures.
Good knowledge of all Federal and State Codes relating to residential and commercial structures, particularly relating to Fire Prevention Code.
Good knowledge of materials used and practices applied in the alternation and construction of residential and commercial structures inclusive of construction principles and practices applied to this field.
Good knowledge of methods for energy conservation as addressed in the New York State Energy Code.
Working knowledge of construction methods, functions and physical properties of buildings and building costs.
Working knowledge of structural, electrical and design principles as related to building construction.
Ability to read and apply architectural drawings and blue prints to existing codes, rules, regulations and law concerning residential and commercial structures.
Ability to express oneself both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other public officials, general contractors, builders, architects, engineers and the general public.
Ability to utilize a PC in the maintenance and retrieval of codes related data.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Promotion:
One (1) year of permanent competitive class status in the title of Plans Examiner I.
Open Competitive:
A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in Architecture, Engineering or a closely related field; or,
B) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associates Degree in Architectural Technology, Building Construction Technology or a closely related field to the aforementioned and two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the review of plans and determining code compliance for residential and nonresidential structures; or,
C) Four (4) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the review of plans and determining code compliance for residential and nonresidential structures; or,
D) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C)above.
2/08 Revised